ow to the can," said Doctor Joe, handing
the paper back to David, "for if it should prove after all that we
have been mistaken, and that the cache does not contain Lem's silver
fox or other stolen property, it would be wrong, and we would not
wish, to interfere with the man for whom this paper was left here
finding the cache."

"'Twould be fair wicked to do that," agreed David. "I'll put un back."

When the paper had again been returned to its hiding-place Doctor Joe
detailed the boys to their different positions. David and Peter were
to follow the brook, David on the left side and Peter on the right
side as they ascended. Seth Muggs, Obadiah Button, Andy and Jamie were
to spread out at intervals on the left from David, and Lige Sparks,
Micah Dunk and Doctor Joe on the right side of the brook from Peter.
All were to ascend through the woods at the same time, keeping a sharp
look-out to right and to left for any unusual rock or other possible
signs that might lead to a clue.

"Now we had better keep close enough together to keep in sight the man
nearest us on the side toward the brook," directed Doctor Joe. "If we
spread farther apart than that we shall be too far apart to see any
rock that may be between us."

"Aye, and we'll keep lookin' both ways," said Andy. "That way we can't
miss un."

"It's now," Doctor Joe consulted his watch, "one-thirty o'clock. It's
cloudy and it will be dark by half-past four. I'll call to Micah at
half-past three and he will pass the word along to the next man and he
to the next and so on until all have been notified. Then we will
immediately come together and return to camp, that is, of course, if
we have not already found the cache. If before that time anyone finds
what he thinks may be the rock he will pass the word to his neighbour,
and we'll close in and make our search together. If it begins to snow,
and the snow is too thick for us to see our next neighbour, we'll
close in, for in that case we would miss the rock anyway. Do you all
understand?"

Every one understood, as the chorus of "Yes, sir," testified.

"Jamie," said Doctor Joe, "you're the youngest one, and you haven't
had much experience tramping through the woods. If you get tired, or
find it hard, just come over to the brook and follow it down to camp.
If you get there ahead of us you might start a fire in our tent stove
and put the kettle over."

"I've got plenty o' grit, sir," Jamie boasted. "I can stand un."

"I